The following table contains the key Average Weekly Earnings figures for the May 2017 reference period.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics' Average Weekly Earnings survey is designed to measure the level of average earnings in Australia at a point in time. Movements in average weekly earnings can be affected by changes in both the level of earnings per employee and in the composition of the labour force. Factors which can contribute to compositional change include variations in the proportion of full-time, part-time, casual and junior employees; variations in the occupational distribution within and across industries; and variations in the distribution of employment between industries.

In the twelve months to May 2017, Full-Time Adult Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings increased by 1.8% to $1,543.80.

The Full-Time Adult Average Weekly Total Earnings in May 2017 was $1,608.40, a rise of 2.1% from the same time last year.

To access the time series spreadsheets related to the measures presented above, please refer to the to the downloads tab at the top of the page.

FORTHCOMING ISSUES

ISSUE

Release Date

November 2017
May 2018

22 February 2018
16 August 2018

SAMPLE REDESIGN

Sample redesigns are undertaken periodically for all ABS business surveys to ensure the survey design continues to be optimal. The next sample redesign for the Survey of Average Weekly Earnings is scheduled for implementation with the release of the November 2017 publication on 22 February 2018.

NOTES ON ESTIMATES

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED ESTIMATES

A review of the seasonal adjustment parameters was undertaken for the November 2016 release. A number of the AWE seasonally adjusted series were updated as a result. See paragraphs 59-61 of the Explanatory Notes for further details.

For further information about these and related statistics, contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070. The ABS Privacy Policy outlines how the ABS will handle any personal information that you provide to us.